11.06.2026 • 1 Std. 11 Min.

We can enhance athletic performance, lose weight with a pill and even take psychedelics to alter consciousness. At what point does all this self-optimization become self-obsession? When does it get in the way of our humanity itself? My guest this week is the German biotech entrepreneur Christian Angermayer, who believes scientific breakthroughs to extend our lives — and even put us in touch with the divine — are close at hand. 0:00 - Intro 01:40 - Investing in longevity, A.I. and psychedelics 6:06 - The vision for the Enhanced Games 13:45 - Normalizing enhancements for everyone 20:02 - Ozempic is the first of many... 30:00 - The five basics for health and well-being 36:52 - Psychedelics trips and spiritual revelations 59:20 - Christian skepticism 01:04:22 - "Jesus is not human-maxxing." Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com. Read the full transcript here: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/opinion/better-sex-better-hair-better-sleep-humanmaxxing-is-here.html Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.